Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Christian Siriano Spring 2011 Collection

Before The Show: Since this was the first show that I attended, you can imagine that I was understandably excited! I really love the designing wunderkind and was racing to get to my seat on time so I wouldn’t miss a minute of it. The first thing that always warms one’s heart? The ability to race straight to a seat…with your name on it…in the first four rows. Thank you!

Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz

Overhead In the Crowd: Honestly, because I took my seat moments before the show began, I heard nothing but the rush of wind past my ears and my heart pounding. I was so close to the start of the show that I basically had a chance to say hi to the woman in the seat next to me before they started taking the plastic off the runway.

The Collection: Our little designing dynamo is really growing in sophistication when it comes to the cuts and materials of his clothes. The show started with very Park Avenue-approved silhouettes and materials: expertly-cut leather with beautiful details (topstitching, asymmetrical cuts) shown with white dresses and skinny pants. The collection then emerged into gorgeous sheath dresses and ladies-who-lunch wear with gorgeous blouses and pencil skirts with additional leather jackets and accessories. It showed great versatility for the women who love his clothes, but he gave a nod at the end of the collection to his youthful clients with vibrant prints, his signature bubble shapes and two finale dresses that positively erupted into a cascade of ruffles down the side that made each one seem like worthy of some undersea princess. Oh, and the SHOES! I died a thousand times. Incredible architectural heels that matches the prints of the dresses? You need his shoes ladies. The man can create some footwear.

Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz

Trend Spotting: There were a few things of note from the collection. First of all, leather shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. Siriano sent leather jackets, dresses, even shorts down the runway and all in a buttery, caramel leather that I have to have. The other trend I loved from him was this whole ladies-who-lunch power silhouette. Suits, pencil skirts, jackets – absolutely adore. OH, and please take note of the spectacular bootcut pants and weightlifter belts. Need both. NEED.

Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz

Overall Impression: I have to say that I like where Siriano is going with his designs. He plays to both his sophisticated uptown clients with chic offerings that fit their lifestyle while playing to his downtown fans with fun prints and fantastic evening options. There was something in there for everyone and I’m looking forward to seeing all of you in Siriano next spring!